Distracted driving has always been a problem, however in recent years, the complicated and distracting infotainment type systems in vehicles has made this problem worse. More problematic is the move away from physical controls for functions that are commonly operated while the vehicle is in motion, such as heat/air conditioning, radio controls, driving modes etc. 

Items that are commonly operated while the vehicle is in motion should NOT require the driver to take their eyes off the road in order to operate. Physical controls do not require visual conformation as they are inherently tactile unlike touchscreen controls which require the user to look at in order to operate.

My petition is to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proposing a set of new safety regulations that would limit the use of touchscreen controls for devices that are frequently operated or essential for operation while the vehicle is in motion. These include:

Wiper controls
Headlights
Turn signals/hazards
Climate controls
Window defroster
Radio controls
Parking/emergency brake
Gearshift (if applicable)
Drive modes (if applicable)
Seat position controls

It is essential that vehicles not contain devices that take away from the task at hand, which is driving the car. 

Vehicle safety has come a long way and there is no doubt that cars are safer in a collision than ever before. However collision avoidance starts with the driver. Vehicles containing in car tech that intentionally distracts the driver is reckless on the part of vehicle manufacturers and counterproductive in designing safer vehicles.